2009 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings 

Top 10 Defensive Tackles


All Draft Daddy rankings are a projection of NFL success, regardless of draft selection.

Defensive Tackle Positional Rankings Explained:

A player who is on one DT list may have the skills for another DT list, this is only a projection. Secondary positional projections are in parenthesis.

One Gap Defensive Tackles

4-3 DT are told to shoot the gaps and collapse the pocket, stopping running backs in the backfield and rushing the passer upfield. They are disruptive and considered "one gap" players. 3-technique is a type of 4-3 DT that lines up slanted between the guard and center, usually in a cover-2 defense. Most N.F.L. teams run a version of the 4-3, and most college prospects are fits for 4-3 schemes.

Two Gap Defensive Tackles

3-4 Defensive Ends are told to occupy gaps so that the linebackers can operate. These players have the height and wingspan to deal with offensive tackles and regularly attract double teams. Pass rush moves are required, as are"read and react" skills.

Nose Tackles are also told to occupy gaps so that the linebackers can operate. Nose tackles are present in both the 4-3 and the 3-4 and the 3-4 version is expected to be bigger. Nose tackles are squatty and use their leverage to get under the pads of centers and guards. They must be stout at the point of attack and attract double teams. These players may or may not leave the field on passing downs as are often taught to gap-clog and collapse the pocket only on rare occasions. Traditionally these players line up directly over the center, although this may vary by scheme.

Positions Drop Down :
Or Text Links:

QB   RB   FB   TE   WR   OT   OG   OC  DE   DT   OLB   ILB   CB   S   ST  

Ranked Prospects Home

Top Defensive Tackles

rank name school
1. Ndamukong Suh University of Nebraska Potential 3-4 Defensive End in N.F.L.
2. Terrence Cody University of Alabama Potential N.F.L. Nose Tackle
3. Arthur Jones Syracuse University
4. Brandon Deaderick University of Alabama
5. Jared Odrick Penn State University
6. Vince Oghabaase Duke University Potential 3-4 Defensive End in N.F.L.
7. D'Anthony Smith Louisiana Tech University
8. Tyson Alualu University of California-Berkely
9. Boo Robinson Wake Forest University Potential N.F.L. Nose Tackle
10. Jeff Owens University of Georgia Coming off Major A.C.L. Injury


Also See:

Big School Surprise DT

Small School Sleeper DL


NFL Draft
NCAA Football

Your Ad Here
Firefox 3

                                                                                                                           

Your Ad Here